SOURCES: THS-PHS GAME CANCELED … FEAR OF VIOLENCE CITED … PLANET SEEKS TO CONFIRM … MORE PROOF CITY IS LOSING BATTLE AGAINST THE GANGSTAs? … MAYOR REMAINS SILENT
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY, AUG. 31, 2015) — Classes begin today at Syracuse University, and THE PLANET recently spent time on campus soaking in the atmosphere and talking with students.
We thank SU’s 12th chancellor, Kent Syverud, for his work in year one as head of this incredible knowledge factory. THE PLANET shall be returning often to campus to meet with students, particular from the Newhouse School, where we obtained our master’s degree in journalism. Still the top J-school in the nation, Newhouse, dedicated by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, consists of three buildings. It’s an imposing complex. The school has managed to find a brilliant balance between traditional journalistic protocols and the thrust toward the “new journalism” geared toward cyberspace.
All of which leads us to the other extreme in education, the failing Pittsfield Public School system. THE PLANET has documented specifically, verse and chapter, how the PPS has wasted nearly $1 billion of your tax dollars in the past decade. Today, we share distressing information in what the schools used to call “conduct” or “deportment.” Those words referred to the ability of a student to control him/herself in the classroom and a teacher’s ability to maintain the discipline necessary for learning. It boils down to good behavior in class, on campus, and when attending school functions off-campus.
Crosstown Football Game Canceled; Officials Cite Fear of Violence
On Friday night, Sept. 11, intracity rivals Taconic High School and Pittsfield High School were scheduled to play each other in football at Wahconah Park. The game, however, has been canceled and postponed until the following afternoon.
Sources say the two principals, THS’ John Vosburgh and PHS’ Matt Bishop, had second thoughts about the game in wake of the violent, murder-plagued months of July and August involving teens. Sources say the principals feared “that violence would erupt” if the game were held at night, as scheduled. Apparently, they felt Wahconah Park at night, on the city’s troubled west side, was too close to “the ‘hood” for comfort. Consequently, the game was rescheduled for broad daylight the next day at the Taconic home field.
The THS site will accommodate far fewer fans, giving officials a greater sense of peace. THE PLANET wonders if this is a false sense? This reshuffling says everything about how the city, beginning with its overmatched mayor, has lost the confidence of nearly everyone, including the principals of Pittsfield’s two high schools. Vosburgh and Bishop obviously don’t think the city can secure Wahconah Park to a point reasonable enough that schoolboy football can be played and enjoyed. As one source rhetorically asked, “What does this say about the state affairs in our city?”
Questions Abound
Of course, Mayor Lockdown has not said a word about this, nor has his equally incompetent superintendent of schools, Jason “JIV” McCandless.
There are many questions that beg answering. THE PLANET has sent the following email to Jim Abel, PPS athletic director; Vosburgh, and Bishop:
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Sources tell me that the THS-PHS game set for 9/11 at night has been moved to Saturday afternoon for fear that violence would erupt. Is that true? Has the game been moved? If so, why? Has there been a specific threat? Who made the decision? Do you agree with it? What does this say to you about the city’s ability to protect and secure its citizens? Feel free to add any other info you wish. Thanks,
DAN
Should you wish to inquire yourself, here are the respective addresses for Abel, Vosburgh, McNally, and the mayor:
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dbianchi@pittsfieldch.com
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THE PLANET is sure they would love to hear from you.
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We don’t know if these men received the memo from Julia Sabourin that no one in the city’s employ can talk to THE PLANET “or else,” but this is the way to find out. Talk about 4th and 29 from your own 10! If they respond, we shall be on the quick to share their answers.
Great way to start the school year, eh?
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“In order to journey steadily, we must apply ourselves to doing well [on] the stretch of road immediately before us on the first day of the journey.” — St. Francis de Sales, Golden Counsels, (1610).
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
The views expressed in any comment section are not those of PLANET VALENTI or endorsed in any way by PLANET VALENTI; this website reserves the right to remove any comment which violates its Rules of Conduct, and it is not liable for the consequences of any posted comment as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and PLANET VALENTI’s terms of service.
My allegiance has always been to the Planet . After reading this well feathered article about Jake, frankly disagree. He has personally gone out of his way for myself on more than one occasion. I’m impressed that he gave me his time and encouragement during a matter of importance to me. We love the Planet and I am a Kapanski through and through!
DILLY
Many thanks and well expressed. Jake is all that you say: He’s a good people person. One-on-one, he shows the ability to get involved in a caring manner. My criticism of him has been his reluctance to take the measures that would bring the PSD back into conformance with current fiscal realities that are crushing not just the budget but the budget’s enablers: The Kapanskis. I shall invite Jake for coffee soon, one-on-one and off the record, so we may discuss our differences. I hope he accepts. Meanwhile, I agree with you that he’s a nice guy. I want that in a person, of course, but moreover, I want a first-class, “can’t touch this” manager. He hasn’t proven that. He has proven to be another “let’s not rock the boat” type. Pity is, the boat is sinking. Appreciate the support here, and remember: Friends can always express their differences from, with, and to each other.
Just as the “gubmint” has caved to the veiled threat of violence from the Muzzies on several levels, so has the PPS cowered in the face of the “gangsta’s,” both real and imagined.
Suck it up, hire more cops for the game. Hells bells they have money for everything else. (and I mean REAL cops, not the useless OT hounds that have lived fat and happy off the outside detail wagon for years) and play ball!
I was under the impression that these games were poorly attended these days. Not like in the sixties when there was standing room only at Waconah park for a St Joe/PHS game.
But then again I suppose the games might be a good place to sell your wares if you dealt in drugs and such.
The Pittsfield Suns owner would probably love it if no football gets played there this year.
Let’s hear it for Dufur, my daughter’s Bus has broken down twice in less than two weeks, and kids are stranded waiting for it.
From what I know classes in Pittsfield have not began yet. Which buses may I ask?
You may,BART?
ABC
Yes, and contrary to what some believe, BART is a public school. Yes, it is a charter school, but it still is public education. Isn’t it ironic that will all the money spent in the past 10 years on busses, they still can’t get it right. This is more evidence that the Pittsfield School Department shouldn’t be running a bus company. It knows little about how to do that. Rather, it should focus on providing kids with a great education.
Pittsfield doesn’t provide transportation to BART. They’re not city buses. Dufour provides the rides to Adams.
I see where Attorney Nuciforo is or was representing an employee over the the Registry of Deeds in an action against the Registrar? Planet, you got the goods on that?
It depends on who wins the game. If PHS wins, the hood may not stand for this and it may errupt in violence and mayhem. If Taconic wins it may only be lots of drunkeness and drug induced celebration.
You what they say:
The west sides the best side. &
Don’t mess with the best or you’ll end up like the rest.
Let the game be played at Wahconah park. & Let the rabbit eat Trix.
Can you imagine the seismic shift in citizen benefit if the teachers union was on the side of the general population? But the union president and his tie ins know that this could severely hurt the special interest faction and so will always strive to placate them with monetary carrots in order that they vote as per distributed candidate lists.
Dusty, the problem isn’t the union – it’s those ‘leaders’ who are negotiating with the union. The union represents the teachers and their job is to get everything they can for them. It’s our city gov’t’s job to represent the citizens and negotiate on our behalf, and get a fair contract Needless to say, the city has failed miserably, and on purpose.
That’s right SOL, the union of voters have been let down by their “leaders”.
Excellent point, SOL. Contract talks should be about bargaining and negotiation. The union heads are doing their job, pushing for the best deal possible. The problem is the lack of balls on the city side of the table. Citizens essentially go in without representation. Union heads now this, ask for the sun, and “settle” for the “moon.” EAch and every time in school negotiations, the city side cracks, crumbles, and, as you say, “fails miserably on purpose.” They fear the political consequences.
If you get the chance the whole state payroll is absurd, the registry of deeds increased to tens of thousands in salaries. Dan was a staunch supporter of the new regime.
I was a strong supporter of Patsy Harris, and I still am. Until there is concrete evidence of malfeasance of any “some-such” that supports remains intact. Her tenure has been marked by accomplishment.
What the big deal? Play the game and have a Pool Party out in the parking lot after the outcome.
Perhaps after the game they could set up pistol targets in the end zone. Then let the rival gang members compete for sharp shooter status with the winning gang getting a get out of jail pass for their next member busted for busting a cap off in a rival members ass.
Are we willing to live in fear? Are we willing to stop having special events in our city? Is this the message we choose to send to our kids and the world? That we will not fund our Police, that we won’t empower them to do their job to protect our city?
After the Third Thursday riot a couple of years ago we increased police presence rather than cancel the event.
After people were being mugged at Live on the Lake we increased police presence (on the City dollar!!!!) rather than cancel the event.
and yet. and yet. We must cancel a football game because we cannot spare a dime for police presence?
Contact your leaders, speak your mind.
Absolutely Kathy. Absurd.
We have a Mayor that “found” $300,000 for his greased pig project…..that’s the Local Story.
It’s infuriating. a shameful act to hide rather than face our problems. It’s terrible for our community and says that all of our pride night marches, marches for peace, calls to action are being completely ignored.
I generally try to keep my message positive, but this has got my knickers in a knot. I don’t give a lick about football, but I really care about my city.
Excellent post Kathy! Bianchi said, the public was safe when the shootings happened. I think they have time to secure a few law enforcement officials for the game. Letting a few Thug Terrorists ruin the events around here is just nonsense. Punishing them like they should be, would help reduce these incidents.
Surely there are a couple of lieutenants who might be willing to take the overtime?
Or maybe just one sheriffs deputy with a family to feed who could just be visibly on site.
If Hotel on North was having a bake sale Bianghi would find the funding
Our leadership:
“I can walk down any street in Pittsfield, anytime day or night and feel safe”.
– Barry Clairmont/boyfriend of Linda Tyer
“The crime wave in Pittsfield is all from TOM – The One Man”.
– Mayor Lockdown
Don’t expect our elected representatives to do anything because they are clueless.
Great post, KATHY! This is the kind of representation the city needs. Active and activist.
Has it been confirmed that the football game was postponed because of safety concerns?
Yes. Without a doubt.
By whom Ms. Lloyd?
http://www.wcvb.com/health/mass-towns-hardest-hit-with-overdose-deaths/32966318
Yeah Pittsfield…..#14 out of 351!!
No drug problem here!!!
PHS would have creamed them anyway.
Go Braves!!!! 🙂
Off topic: Best Buy to close in Lanesboro. Many houses for sale in Pittsfield. Many houses in municipal foreclosure. Many tax delinquents. Does this tell mayoral candidates and city councilors anything?
They don’t care Chuck. This whole Country is fedup with this kind of Governing. Donald Trump is picking up speed because Citizens are rebelling. They work their tails off and are spinning their wheels.
If you have ever watch a group of pigs feeding at a trough you will notice that each one is getting all it can with no regard for any of the others. And they sure as hell don’t care about the other animals on the farm either.
Good job Dan. Just let us know the good things about S.U. and nothing about the other side. There are countless very successful and accomplished journalists who matriculated Newhouse as well as the other schools of that university. However, when it comes to athletics and winning, they’ll stop at nothing. The football program is on probation for six more years and basketball has received the harshest punishment in the history of the NCAA. Its interesting that you don’t want your devotees to know this.
THOMAS
I support SU academics first and foremost. Athletics are secondary. That was my message to students to whom I spoke last week.
I don’t see the big deal with moving the game to a Sat. It should be easier for the parents of the players to attend and it would cost the schools less money to have it on a Sat. I think schools should look at getting out of sports, pretty soon their will be someone who will sue their school for “forcing” them to play and they will get seriously hurt. I don’t think schools were designed for sports. Question for our dear politicians, when will you start canvassing the city and letting us voters know what your ideas and solutions are to all our issues? I am surprised at how quiet it has been.
Disagree, Shirley. Sports are where one learns sportsmanship and teamwork, how to set and reach a common goal, where one learns when to lead and when to hold back. Students learn strategy, which can enhance critical thinking in the classroom. Sports in public school are a great way to expose students to these values/character traits. Guess our local politicians didn’t play sports…
The race for Ward 1 heats up… Tammy is out in front with great publicity. What a coup! 2 articles on the same day! If you want lawlessness, vote Tammy Ives. Kudos to the sane residents of Sadler Ave, Councilor Tully and the City for not backing down.
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/local/ci_28732528/pittsfield-council-candidate-has-history-lawsuits-neighbors-city
http://www.iberkshires.com/story/50043/Pittsfield-Council-Candidate-Airs-Her-Side-Of-Legal-Battle-With-City.html
Shirley, surely not till after the primary. Only then will we start hearing the subtle differences between Tyer and Bianchi. By the way that’s an obviously easy prediction.
Does anyone else see the irony of canceling a high school football game for fear of violence on 9/11? This is not who we are as a country. This is not who we are as a community. This goes against the very nature of who we are supposed to be. Let’s do the right thing. Let’s let the children play. It’s the right thing to do. It’s what we do that defines us.
Dan, what about the Halloween Parade? They hold that at night in the dark on Tyler street, where one of the last/latest shooting took place during the day? They should probably cancel that too.
The point is the power of suggestion. Everything probably would have been fine, but now some dumb ass suggests the violent issue, and now its the hot topic. Who’s to say that some violent act won’t happen during the daytime the following day at the game?
That last kid was shot during the afternoon in July, not at night!
Here is a suggestion, cancel the complete football season, basketball season, the Christmas tree lighting at park square. Actually cancel Christmas. Just cancel everything!!!
This is not your Father’s Football Game Kathy. On another note, The Planet says he wants fiscal restraint, so do we all. But don’t say you want it only in one particular area when you advocate it in another. In the specific Registrar of Deeds, the Planet endorsed and says many accomplishments and the current employees have gained a significant pay increase, just like the School Committee stipend, for no reason. Mary O’Brien ran that office with precision, with bare bones, as did others. Who negotiates these pay hikes anyway, and where does the monies come from?
Of course, with all due repect Planet!
Believe the Planet on this one because this is an apple oranges deal, Cat. And though you make a good point and both sides have the same premise and affects all taxpayers, the School Budget in realty hits closer to home.